Highway emergency communications-warning system and units

ABSTRACT

A highway warning system is comprised of a plurality of standards erected at regularly-spaced intervals along the road side and interconnected by conventional telephonic system to a central dispatcher station. The standards are provided with communication elements and a light which is under control of the central station such that the standard at the closest point to a trouble site may be illuminated and as well standards ahead of the trouble point may be illuminated to warn motorists of potential danger ahead.

ilnite States atent Foley et al.

l/l939 Yaeger 179/] D Aug. 27, 1974 2,537,330 l/l95l Carroll l79/l DD2,8l5,399 12/1957 Harte, Jr. et al l79/l DD 3,559,224 2/l97l Shimizu9/83 E 3,6l4,727 lO/l97l Fritts 3'40/22 Primary Examinerl(athleen H.Claffy Assistant Examiner-Thomas L. Kundert Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Gardiner, Sixbey, Bradford and Carlson [57] ABSTRACT A highwaywarning system is comprised of a plurality of standards erected atregularly-spaced intervals along the road side and interconnected byconventional telephonic system to a central dispatcher station. Thestandards are provided with communication elements and a light which isunder control of the central station such that the standard at theclosest point to a trouble site may be illuminated and as well standardsahead of the trouble point may be illuminated to warn motorists ofpotential danger ahead.

6 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENIEUAUBZHW 3,832,879 SHEET 1 BF QPAIENIED 3,832@679 saw u or '4 v BACKGROUND The rapid development of ournational highway system into a network of high-speed, limited accessdual highways has proved a boon to the American motorist. As witheverything man made, however, such highway systems have also createdproblems for both the motorist and the administrative agency, be itstate or Federal, charged with the responsibilities of safety and ofproviding assistance to motorists in distress either because ofbreakdown or accident.

By way of example, the so-called Capitol Beltway which encircles theWashington, D. C. Metropolitan Area is a dual highway of not less thantwo and in places four lanes in both clockwise and counterclockwisedirection. Access to and from the Beltway is limited to approximately 37entrances and exits with the average distance between adjacent exits orentrances being on the order of 1.9 miles. At some points the distancebetween adjacent exit or entrance roads is as much as 5.8 miles.Additionally, there are no service areas or services available directlyon the Beltway proper so that assistance to motorists in trouble mustcome from the closest available facility via the nearest access road.Thus a stranded motorist must depend for assistance on the charity ofpassing motorists; the arrival of a cruising police car on the scene ormust walk for assistance which may be as much as 2 miles and in so doinga hazard is created by the presence of the disabled vehicle and by thepedestrian himself.

An even more critical situation arises in the case of an accident.Because speed limits on such a road are rarely less than 50 MPH. and asmuch as 70 M.P.I-I., any accidental contact of a vehicle with an object,moving or stationary, is bound to be serious resulting in a severelydamaged vehicle or vehicles and too often in serious bodily injury. Theoccurrence of the original accident is further complicated by the factthat motorists approaching the scene at high speed have no warning ofapproaching danger and that emergency personnel as well as othermotorists attempting to assist accident victims are continously exposedto the hazard of being struck by oncoming vehicles.

When it is realized that on the example Beltway scarcely a day passeswithout a breakdown or major accident the enumerated disadvantages ofsuch a high speed facility become a matter of increasing concern toeveryone, motorists, police, safety officials, emergency personnel andeven mechanics and service station personnel rendering assistance tostranded motorists.

As is the case with any abnormal situation, the immediate problem thatmust be faced is one of communication whereby the party needingassistance can communicate that fact and all relevant details to theassisting party. Also, since any abnormal situation involves hazard, notonly to those directly concerned, but also to approaching motorists,speed of communication is vital so that assistance forces can bemustered immediately to the precise location of the abnormal situationand that oncoming motorists can be alerted to impending danger and takemeasures to adequately protect themselves and others from compoundingthe existing situation by their own unfortunate involvement.

Recognition of the situation outlined above is not new. Varioussolutions have been proposed as for example signs illuminated from acentral station, see US. Pat. Nos. 2,902,669 and 2,849,701. Alsoproposed are warning devices such as in US. Pat. No. 3,060,406 which maybe placed by persons ahead of a trouble scene to warn oncoming motoristsof danger. Still, the main problem remains that of communication, i.e.getting the information as to the existing condition to the properparties for remedial action and transmitting warnings to innocentparties of impending danger.

One system in use on the aforementioned Beltway provides solar-poweredradio transmitters spaced along the road side at regular intervals. Eachtransmitter is a self-contained unit provided with buttons which areoperated by the stranded motorist or a passing party to indicate thatassistance is needed and what type of assistance should be dispatched.For example, six buttons are provided which are designated OUT OF FUEL,FLAT TIRE, ACCIDENT, FIRE, INJURY, and BREAKDOWN.

Thus, the party presses the appropriate button or buttons to indicate asclosely as possible the factual situation that exists and for whichassistance and relief are requested. A code signal is than transmittedvia a solar battery powered radio transmitter to a central receivermonitored by a dispatcher. The dispatcher then communicates with theproper agency to provide assistance in accordance with the reliefrequested. It might be mentioned that the coded transmission alsoidentifies the location of the transmitter.

This system has not, contrary to expectations, proved to be a completesuccess for three reasons. First, the equipment itself has not beentotally reliable. Second, the distressed party is not directly incommunication with the dispatcher and thus has no evidence that in facthis or her distress message is received. Finally, if the call isreceived there is no way this fact can be acknowledged and, even moreimportant, there is no way that the existence of an emergency can becommunicated to other motorists in such a way as to provide advancewarning of a potentially dangerous situation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION The purpose of the present invention isto provide a system and means whereby assistance can be requested by adistressed motorist, the exact factual situation can be conveyed to acentral dispatcher; the dispatcher can acknowledge receipt of thecommunication thus relieving the anxiety of the distressed party andfinally, not only can appropriate relief be initiated, but motorists notinvolved in the particular situation can be warned well in advance thata potentially dangerous situation exists ahead of them and they shouldmodify their driving conditions accordingly.

To effect these desired results a communications system is providedwherein a plurality of communicationwarning standards are provided atregularly spaced intervals along the road side, the standards beinginterconnected by a telephonic system to a central dispatching point toenable voice communication between user and dispatching personnel; saidstandards including further warning and locator means providing visualstimuli under control of the dispatcher whereby the scene of theincident can be readily located while advance warning of an unusualcondition can be served on oncoming motorists.

Each standard includes a break-away connection to its ground anchor anda weatherproof top assembly comprising a bowl-shaped housing having aperipheral bottom skirt and mounting means for a manually operatedswitch and individual voice transmitting instruments securely protectedfrom the elements, a socket means for a light source is also mounted inthe bowlshaped housing which is closed by a generally frustoconicalshaped light transmitting top or cover, said cover being of amber shadeas viewed from the roadway. Possibly the base of the frusto-conicalcover, which is the top of the standard is clear whereby a beam of lightmay be projected upward for a considerable distance to provide a homingbeacon for conveyances such as helicopters.

The broad purposes and components of the invention are set forth aboveso that it is apparent that an object of the invention is to provide areliable highway control and warning system.

Another object of the invention is to produce a highway assistancesystem which is effective to solicit aid and is reassuring to the partyseeking aid in that vocal communications are effected.

Still an additional object of the invention is to provide a highwayassistance and warning system which is universal in its application andwhich is readily installed, easy to maintain and completely reliable inits operation.

Additional objects of the invention are to provide a standard for use ina highway warning and assistance system which is readily recognizable,simple to use and provides for prompt identification of its use byvisual indicator means.

These and other objects not specifically enumerated but readily apparentto those skilled in the/art can be discerned from the following detaileddescription coupled with the drawings forming a part thereof, andwherein:

FIG. I is a graphic representation of a typical metropolitan areasurrounded by a circular highway of the limited access, high speed type.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a standard used in the warning andcommunication system associated with FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken along line 2A2A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the standard shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a bottom view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view of the top assembly of thestandard taken along the line 55 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 5 but taken along the line 66of FIG. 3 with parts removed for clarity,

FIG. 7 is a top sectional view of the top assembly of the standard takenalong the line 7-7 of FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a modified form of cover used in the topassembly, and

FIG. 9 is a simple block-type diagram showing a communication-controlsystem for use in the invention.

Considering FIG. 1 by way of entry into the detailed descriptive matter,it will be seen that a typical metropolitan area M is comprised of acentral high density core or business area B transcended by a river Rand from which radiate a plurality of typical arterial roads, a, b, cand so forth. Arterial roads a, b, d, g, j, and i are also majorhighways leading North, South, etc., which may blossom into dual laneexpressways in the outskirts of the metropolitan area or in some casesleading directly into the business or core area B.

In order to enable travelers or even local residents to reach any one ofthe major arterial roads or expressways, the entire metropolitan area isgirded by a circular dual-lane, high-speed road C which enables thisfeat without the necessity of traveling through the highly congestedarea B. Thus the expressway C is burdened with a constant flow oftraffic and the traffic will all be traveling at speeds approximately50-60 M.P.H. Also, it will be apparent from a further inspection of FIG.1 that the average distance between any two entry or exit ramps is about1.75 miles which means that in case of an accident or breakdown themaximum distance a motorist would have to walk for assistance would be 2miles. Even if a breakdown or accident occurred at an entrance or exitpoint the involved motorist would still be forced to walk some distanceto reach facilities for aid or communication which are normally locatedat some distance along the respective arterial highways.

When it is considered that the time involved in obtaining assistancecould vary from at least 5 minutes as to as much as and hour and thefurther fact that the stranded motorist himself becomes a potentialhazard to himself and others by crossing or walking along the roadway,it becomes apparent that some means of obtaining immediate assistance isa vital necessity. Not only must this means serve to make assistanceavailable; it must also assure the motorist that his message has beenunderstood. It must also warn other motorists of a potential hazard andit must meet these vital requirements while minimizing exposure of theuser to an absolute minimum.

As illustrated then in FIG. 1, a plurality of such means are provided atregularly spaced intervals along the entire circular expressway.Preferably, if the economics so justify the spacing should be no morethan 1 mile between any two adjacent means, but should be spaced morefrequently in situations that warrant, i.e., congested areas, highaccident areas. It should be further understood that while such meansare shown just on one side of the road, the same facilities at the sameintervals would be located on the opposite side of the highway to avertthe necessity for any party to cross the highway with all of thishazard.

Turning, now, to FIG. 2, the means 10 which serves the assigned functionis shown in elevation as comprising a vertical column 2 and a topassembly 30.

As shown, column 2 is formed in two parts, a base 4 and a tubular post6. The base 4 is anchored in the ground, preferably in a cement slab,now shown, which is consistent with the non-graphic operational design,and on which a person can stand. Seated on the upper end of base 4 is aslanted plate 8 which mates with a second slanted plate 12 which isafiixed as by welding or the like to the bottom end of tubular post 6.

The two plates which are rectangular in plan view are bolted together bybolts 14 at each corner. The plates 12 and 8 are slotted such that theparts will separate on impact and also force the upper part of the unitinto the air and over the vehicle. This type of break-away connectionfor light poles, signs, etc., adjacent highways is mandatory forcompliance with Federal and state safety laws.

Mounted on the top of tubular post 6 is the communications head orassembly 20. This assembly is comprised of a generally inverted,frusto-conical base or bowl 16 and a frusto-conical cover 18 of asuitable high impact, light-transmitting plastic. Just below the bottomof the base 16 is a switch 24 of the push buttom type, preferablyilluminated, and a series of elongated slit-like openings forming agrill area 22 the function of which is to permit voice communication tothe interior of the assembly 20.

The overall height of the entire device is approximately 84 inches fromground level with the height of the column 30 being about 62.5 inches toposition the push button switch 18 and the grill area 22 are positionedat a vertical elevation convenient for use by most prople.

As stated the cover 18 is formed of a lighttransmitting plastic orequivalent material. Preferably the cover is tinted to emit'a yellowlight of high intensity. This color is almost universally recognized asdenoting caution and at the same time will not be confused with redlights, such as stop lights or the danger lights customarily used onemergency vehicles and the like by approaching motorists.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the top and bottom of the head or communicationsassembly are clearly shown. Little comment is necessary with respect toFIG. 3, however, FIG. 4 does warrant more than passing consideration foragain it should be noted that the bottom of the bowl I4 is also providedwith slit-like openings defining a grill area 26 for voice transmissionwithin the interior of the bowl 16.

As stated, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG.2. As clearly shown, the base of bowl 16 is made of a metal which maypreferably be cast in the desired shape and which exhibits goodanticorrosive properties. Aluminum is an ideal metal because itpossesses good weather-resistant properties and it can be die cast withgood precision.

It should be understood, however, that the specified materials are notthe only materials of which the communication heads 20 can befabricated. Plastics could be used as well as combinations of othermetals or glass. As a matter of fact, it is within the realm offeasibility to mold the heads of two plastic parts which are fittedinternally as will be described and thereafter permanently joinedtogether to form inexpensive replaceable units. As is usual where isagreat number of units are to be manufactured the method manufacture andmaterials used will be dictated by a balance of various factors.

As further disclosed in FIG. 5, the bowl 16 is so formed that aperipheral skirt 28 of some depth is provided at the juncture betweenthe bottom 32 and the conical side wall 34. This skirt acts as an awningor shield to prevent rail or snow from entering the grill area 26 andalso to, at least partially, shield the grill area 26 and the pushbutton 24 from inclement weather.

The upper rim of the bowl is provided with an annular shoulder having agroove 42 and merges into a threaded cylindrical mouth 44 which isexternally threaded at 46. The cover 18 is also provided with a threadedperipheral area 52 which engages the exterior threads 46 on base 16.Seated in the groove 42 is a diametric O ring sealing member 54 whichforms a weathertight seal when the transparent cover 18 is threaded intoplace on base 16 via the threads 46 and 52 on each respective part.

Wedged between transparent cover 18 and base 16 is an X-unit 56 having acentral hub 62 from which the four arms radiate outward.

The X-shaped unit has affixed thereto, at the central hub 62, a typicalelectrical junction box 66 by means of any type of conventionalfasteners 68. The cover plate 74 of the junction box 66 carries a lampsocket 76 of the conventional weatherproof type manufactured by suchparties as General Electric Co., Sprague Electric Co., among others. Thecover 74 is held in place also by conventional screw fasteners 82. Alamp bulb 80 of suitable wattage to illuminate the lighttransmittingcover 18 with sufficient brilliance to catch the eyes of motorists isscrewed in the socket 76.

Additional details of the assembly 20 are apparent from an inspection ofFIG. 6 which is a view of displacement from that of FIG. 5 but with thelight assembly removed. As shown, a miniature microphone 84 ispositioned within the tubular downwardly projecting cylinder whichextends from the bottom of the bowl and is joined to the top of column 2as by a set screw or the like. The microphone is located immediatelybehind the grill area 26, previously described, and is electricallyconnected to the push buttom switch 24 via electrical conductors 88.Preferably, the button operator of switch 24 is illuminated, suchswitches being readily available, whereby it can be readily locatedduring nightfall. Also fixed within the bowl is a miniature speaker 92mounted in the area of the grill 26 whereby its sounds are transmittedexteriorly of the assembly 20. This speaker is electrically connectedvia a conductor 94 to the central dispatcher station as will beapparent.

SYSTEM OPERATION As stated, the individual standards with the light,speaker and microphone are positioned at regular intervals along theroad side. Each of the units is connected via buried cable to a centraldispatchers desk as schematically illustrated in FIG. 9.

The dispatchers desk contains a speaker 102, a microphone 104 and aplurality of indicator lights 106 and switches 108, one set of eachbeing assigned to each standard along the road side. Preferably, anysingle dispatchers desk would service 50 standards which, if spaced 1mile apart means that each dispatcher monitors about 25 miles ofhighway.

In case of an accident or emergency for example, at point X in FIG. 1,the involved motorist would go the nearest standard and press the button24. This places the standard in communication with the dispatcher viavoice transmission through speaker 102. Immediately a tape recordingwill answer, explaining that the motorist is connected to thecommunication station and that the dispatcher will answer immediately.As soon as possible the dispatcher replies via microphone 104 and at thesame time flips the switch paired with a given indicator light 106 whichis illuminated simultaneously with operation of button 24. The switch108 causes bulb 80 to be energized so that other motorists are warned bylight of the standard that a hazard exists. Uper ascertaining the natureof the motorists difficult, the dispatcher provides appropriate adviceand then may, if the situation so warrants, flip additional switches 108as he deems necessary to cause illumination of any number of standardsahead of, i.e., in the direction opposite to traffic flow, theparticularly standard from which the call for assistance originated.

In the situation of FIG. 1, let it be assumed that an accident involvingseveral vehicles has ocdurred at point X. As is evident, this is acritical location because traftie is approaching the bridge from bothdirections and the traffic moving in a counterclockwise direction wouldbe at full speed since there is a distance of approximately 3 .0 milesfrom the last arterial entrance road 0. An involved or witnessingmotorist would proceed to the nearest standard and by operating the pushbutton 24 would be place in communication with the dispatcher, theappropriate indicator light pin pointing the scene. The dispatcherwould, upon being appraised of the gravity of the situation, operate thenumber of switches 108 to cause illumination of the number of standardsin either direction such as he feels advisable. in the illustratedsituation he has selected a mile and one quarter as being a safe warningmargin, accordingly, six standards are illuminated in either directionfrom the accident scene X.

It should be stated that the specific details of the telephoniccommunication system are conventional and need not be discussed indetail. The control of the lights may be via the same type of systemused in a dial telephone, i.e., each switch sends out a pulsed code viacoder P.C. to operate relays to turn on the lights. Similarly the voicecommunications system, per se, is conventional and would in allprobability be handled by the most convenient telephone company,emergency alarm systems company or similar organization. By way ofexample, systems which can be readily considered and/or adapted for theintended purpose by persons skilled in the art are shown in U.S. Pat.No. 2,l5l,272 to T. A. Haytes issued Mar. 21, 1939; U.S. Pat. No.786,894 issued to O. W. Hart on Apr. I1, 1905, among others.

MODIFICATION OF STANDARD In recent years, considerable interest has beengenerated in the use of helicopters as emergency vehicles particularlywhere an accident occurs resulting in serious bodily injury. States suchas Maryland, Texas and others have already instituted such procedures.

Obviously, it is vital that such airborne vehicles home in" on the sceneas soon as possible. In daylight hours this is a relatively simpleprocess of visual navigation. However, at night or in periods wherevisibility, is hampered, other means of guiding the airborne vehicle aredesirable.

In FIG. 8, there is shown a modified cover for the standard which isvirtually the same as the previously discussed cover, like numerals(primed) indicating like characteristics. However, as shown in thissectional view, the top of the cover I8 is modified to include a lens110 which has the property of focusing light rays vertically skyward.Preferably, the lens 110 would be of clear rather than amber color andit may be in the form of an insert suitably fixed in cover 18 or it maybe an integrally molded part of the cover, a manufacturing operationwhich may be readily effected by known techniques.

In any event, the cover not only, as modified, serves as a warning formotorists, when illuminated from within, but also it serves as a homingbeacon for airborne craft dispatched to render assistance to theparticular emergency scene, and suitable lighting and switches may beused to send verticle signals only.

Having described the invention in detail it will be apparent thatmodifications thereof will occur to those skilled in the art and whichfall within the scope of the claims, wherein what is claimed is:

l. A highway emergency traffic advisory and warning system comprising aplurality of communications stations positioned at regularly spacedintervals along the roadside in either direction; a central dispatchstation in direct telephonic communication with at least a selectedstation, each station comprising a vertical column anchored in theground at its lower end and having impact releasable connector meansadjacent its lower end,

an audio-visual communications head surmounting and permanently affixedto the upper end of each column, said audiovisual communications headcomprising,

an inverted, open topped, frusto-conical shaped bowl having a bottomrecessed upwardly toward the interior thereof whereby a pronounceddepending peripheral skirt is defined around the lower cir cumferentialedge of the said bowl;

a central, tubular column depending from the bottom of said bowl andconnected to said vertical column the bottom of said bowl between saidskirt and said tubular column and also said tubular column having aplurality of vertically aligned grid-like openings therein, each openingbeing disposed above the lowermost peripheral edge of said dependingskirt;

voice communicating means including a telephonic transmitter device anda telephonic receiving device positioned within said bowl and saidtubular column respectively behind each of said grid-like openings,

manually actuated means for actuating said voice communicating means toconnect said station with the central dispatch station for telephonictwo-way communication therewith;

a light source mounted in the open top of said inverted, frusto-conicalshaped bowl and operable only from said central dispatch station; and

a complimentary light transmitting cover encompassing said light sourceand in sealing engagement with the upper peripheral edge of saidinverted frusto-conical shaped bowl to define therewith an integralweatherproof housing for said voice communicating means and said lightsource.

2. A communications system as defined in claim 1 wherein said lowerperipheral outside edge of said bowl defines a protective skirt andaudio trap and said manually actuated means is a switch mounted on saidtubular extension depending from the center of the bottom of said bowland aligned beneath said grid-like openings.

3. A communications system as defined in claim 1 wherein said cover isfrusto-conical in shape and has its lower peripheral edge threadedlyengaged with the top of said bowl and a seal means is positioned betweensaid cover and said bowl to prevent moisture from entering said bowl atits juncture with said cover.

4. A communications system as defined in claim 3 wherein the top of saidcover comprises a lens focusing grill area.

6. A communications system as defined in claim 1 wherein said impactreleasable connector is comprised of a pair of abutting plates bolted toeach other and said plates are inclined relative to the horizontal toimpart a definite one-directional movement of said standard from thebase upon impact created by a moving object such as a vehicle.

1. A highway emergency traffic advisory and warning system comprising aplurality of communications stations positioned at regularly spacedintervals along the roadside in either direction; a central dispatchstation in direct telephonic communication with at least a selectedstation, each station comprising a vertical column anchored in theground at its lower end and having impact releasable connector meansadjacent its lower end, an audio-visual communications head surmountingand permanently affixed to the upper end of each column, saidaudiovisual communications head comprising, an inverted, open topped,frusto-conical shaped bowl having a bottom recessed upwardly toward theinterior thereof whereby a pronounced depending peripheral skirt isdefined around the lower circumferential edge of the said bowl; acentral, tubular column depending from the bottom of said bowl andconnected to said vertical column the bottom of said bowl between saidskirt and said tubular column and also said tubular column having aplurality of vertically aligned grid-like openings therein, each openingbeing disposed above the lowermost peripheral edge of said dependingskirt; voice communicating means including a telephonic transmitterdevice and a telephonic receiving device positioned within said bowl andsaid tubular column respectively behind each of said grid-like openings,manually actuated means for actuating said voice communicating means toconnect said station with the central dispatch station for telephonictwo-way communication therewith; a light source mounted in the open topof said inverted, frustoconical shaped bowl and operable only from saidcentral dispatch station; and a complimentary light transmitting coverencompassing said light source and in sealing engagement with the upperperipheral edge of said inverted frusto-conical shaped bowl to definetherewith an integral weatherproof housing for said voice communicatingmeans and said light source.
 2. A communications system as defined inclaim 1 wherein said lower peripheral outside edge of said bowl definesa protective skirt and audio trap and said manually actuated means is aswitch mounted on said tubular extension depending from the center ofthe bottom of said bowl and aligned beneath said grid-like openings. 3.A communications system as defined in claim 1 wherein said cover isfrusto-conical in shape and has its lower peripheral edge threadedlyengaged with the top of said bowl and a seal means is positioned betweensaid cover and said bowl to prevent moisture from entering said bowl atits juncture with said cover.
 4. A communications system as defined inclaim 3 wherein the top of said cover comprises a lens focusing raysfrom said light source into a vertical column defining a visual beacon.5. A communications system as defined in claim 2 wherein said bowlincludes a grill area located in the bottom surface between saidperipheral skirt and said central tubular extension and wherein aspeaker is disposed directly above said grill area and wherein saidcentral tubular extension of said bowl is provided with a grill area incommunication with the interior of said bowl and a microphone is mounteddirectly behind said grill area.
 6. A communications system as definedin claim 1 wherein said impact releasable connector is comprised of apair of abutting plates bolted to each other and said plates areinclined relative to the horizontal to impart a definite one-directionalmovement of said standard from the base upon impact created by a movingobject such as a vehicle.